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This post is the fourth in a series about comfort measures for labor that appeal to each of the five senses. Today, we're focusing on the sense of touch! Check out these six ways that touch can help you manage labor.  Light Touch (Photo by Isaac Ordaz on Unsplash) In early labor, it may feel nice to have someone (your husband/partner, doula, friend, etc.) to lightly run their fingers along your arms, shoulders, back, or other places. The backs of the fingers work well for this, and the light, stroking motion should feel like a pleasant tickle, encouraging you to release any tension you may be holding. A head massage tool, like this one, gives a similar sensation for your scalp. Some people (e.g. me) love it, and some people (e.g. my husband!) hate it.  Counter Pressure Counter pressure during labor relieves the stretching and contracting sensations, invites you to focus your attention somewhere else, and can give baby more room to descend. There are tons of different types of counter pressure, and lots of places where a little pressure gives great relief: head, shoulder, knees, tail bone, hips, and more! If you're the one giving counter pressure to someone in labor, always ask to know how much pressure feels good--it may be a lot more than you'd guess!  Get the Oxytocin Flowing! (Photo by Annette Sousa on Unsplash) Oxytocin--the love hormone--makes you feel SO good, AND it keeps labor moving along! Kissing and cuddling can be an effective way to make labor as enjoyable as possible, and it will bring you closer together as you enter the next stage of parenthood!  Heat and Cold (Photo by Pixabay) During labor, both hot and cold can be helpful for different purposes. A heating pack on your lower back can feel great during contractions, and as you get closer to meeting your baby, a nice cold compress on your forehead or shoulders may feel fantastic.  Comforting Touch (Photo by Yellow Kite Lifestyle Photography) Sometimes the comfort of a hand on your shoulder or a nice leg rub can feel great in between (maybe even during) contractions. Comforting touch can add a sense of security and safety for you--which is critically important as you open your body to bring your baby into the world!  No, Thank You
(Photo by Nadine Shaabana on Unsplash) It's also possible that you won't want anyone to touch you at all during labor! You may turn inside yourself and find outside touch distracting or uncomfortable. It's important to have a birth team that you trust to be responsive to your needs in the moment, because it's hard to predict what exactly you'll want during labor! What kinds of touch do you expect you'll like during labor? Or do you think you'll prefer a hands-off labor?
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 We've been preparing for this event for a loooong time. After multiple attempts to reschedule, we're excited to be offering this class in person at the beautiful Aspenwood Manor! You'll have a cozy spot six feet apart from other couples, and we'll have hand sanitizer on tap. :) Join us for an engaging evening designed to strengthen your relationship and preparation for birth. Whether it's your first baby or your sixth, come learn how to make every stage of labor progress more smoothly. You will move beyond feelings of uncertainty to claim your power as life-giving agents. You'll learn and practice hands-on comfort measures so you can work together as a couple during labor. A decadent dessert of warm Chip cookies served with locally made gourmet Rockwell ice cream will be provided, along with fresh fruit and cheese. We're excited to see you! "I have never felt more intimate and in love with my husband than I did during the labor and birth of our child."
-Sarai L., previous client |
AuthorHi, I'm Sara. I'm a childbirth educator and birth + postpartum doula serving Utah county. I'm a twin mom (plus one!), natural VBACer, and birth lover! 
Photo by Julie Francom Birth Stories
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